The U.N. Security Council is calling for a cease-fire in Libya and for its warring parties to de-escalate fighting in the capital Tripoli and return to U.N.-mediated political talks.
A council press statement on Friday expressed deep concern about "the instability in Tripoli and worsening humanitarian situation, which is endangering the lives of innocent civilians and threatens prospects for a political solution."
An offensive to take control of Tripoli was launched April 4 by the self-styled Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter and based in the country's east. It is battling rival militias loosely allied with the U.N.-supported government in the capital.
The U.N.'s most powerful body stressed that "lasting peace and stability in Libya will come only through a political solution."
